Indeed, $100,000 worth of drainage and other improvements were put in to make the site on West 21st Street viable for a tent, and the Libyan leader could take advantage of those repairs to make himself and his guests comfortable. Moreover, Coney Island has been struggling to keep up its razzle-dazzle image while plans for the rebuilding of abandoned amusement sites seem perennially caught up in conflicts between city officials and developers.

“Since Coney Island needs attention and needs development and since we’re circus-friendly, I for one would welcome him here,” Mr. Zigun said. “Politics aside, it would bring tourists to Coney Island and that’s what we need.”